About 105 million American adults have elevated blood
cholesterol levels that put them at risk for cardiovascular
disease, and of those about 42 million adults are
at high risk. Take this multiple choice quiz with
six questions to see how much you know about cholesterol.
Read the question and select one answer. You will
find out if your answer is correct or incorrect. Information
about health risks and healthy choices will be provided.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance
that occurs naturally in the body.

Cholesterol is a substance that the body needs
to function normally.

Cholesterol is found in cell walls, including
in the brain, nerves, muscle, skin, liver, intestines,
and heart.

All of the Above.

Correct.

Cholesterol is needed to support the function of
all the parts of the body. However, it takes only
a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet
these needs. Too much cholesterol in the bloodstream
results in excess deposits in the arteries, including
the arteries of the heart, where it may result in
a narrowing or blockage signaling heart disease. A
total blood cholesterol level of under 200 mg/dL is
desirable.

Correct.

Cholesterol is needed to support the function of
all the parts of the body. However, it takes only
a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet
these needs. Too much cholesterol in the bloodstream
results in excess deposits in the arteries, including
the arteries of the heart, where it may result in
a narrowing or blockage signaling heart disease. A
total blood cholesterol level of under 200 mg/dL is
desirable.

Incorrect.

Cholesterol is needed to support the function of all
the parts of the body. However, it takes only a small
amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs.
Too much cholesterol in the bloodstream results in excess
deposits in arteries, including the arteries of the
heart, where it may result in a narrowing or blockage
signaling heart disease. A total blood cholesterol level
of under 200 mg/dL is desirable.

The cholesterol level that is considered to be the
“bad” cholesterol is:

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Triglycerides.

All of the Above.

Correct.

Cholesterol and other fats are transported in the bloodstream
in the form of particles called lipoproteins. The
two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Experts refer to the LDL as “bad” because
it contains the most cholesterol and can contribute
to the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.
HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because
it helps to remove cholesterol from the blood, thereby
helping to prevent the fatty buildup and formation
of plaque.

Incorrect.

Cholesterol and other fats are transported in the bloodstream
in the form of particles called lipoproteins. The
two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Experts refer to the LDL as “bad” because
it contains the most cholesterol and can contribute
to the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.
HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because
it helps to remove cholesterol from the blood, thereby
helping to prevent the fatty buildup and formation
of plaque.

What factor(s) could affect your LDL cholesterol level?

Heredity

Your diet

Weight

All of the Above

Correct.

Many factors can raise your LDL cholesterol level.
Your genes (heredity) determine how fast LDL is made
and is removed from the bloodstream. You may inherit
genes that cause your LDL to rise. Eating foods high
in saturated fat (mostly found in animal products)
and cholesterol (which only comes from animal products)
may increase your LDL cholesterol level. Excess weight
may also increase your LDL cholesterol level. Other
factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, age, and
stress may also contribute to its rise.

Incorrect.

Many factors can raise your LDL cholesterol level.
Your genes (heredity) determine how fast LDL is made
and is removed from the bloodstream. You may inherit
genes that cause your LDL to rise. Eating foods high
in saturated fat (mostly found in animal products)
and cholesterol (which only comes from animal products)
may increase your LDL cholesterol level. Excess weight
may also increase your LDL cholesterol level. Other
factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, age, and
stress may also contribute to its rise.

Eating foods that are high in the following may increase
your risk of developing high blood cholesterol levels:

Saturated fats found in cheese, while
milk, butter, and fatty meats.

Unsaturated fats found in canola, olive, and corn
oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed.

All of the Above.

Correct.

Saturated fats raise the blood cholesterol levels more
than any other types of foods. The best advice is
to reduce your overall fat intake. Eating less fat,
especially saturated fats and cholesterol, and eating
more unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids may help
to decrease your blood cholesterol levels.

Incorrect.

Saturated fats raise the blood cholesterol levels more
than any other types of foods. The best advice is
to reduce your overall fat intake. Eating less fat,
especially saturated fats and cholesterol, and eating
more unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids may help
to decrease your blood cholesterol levels.

For those who have coronary heart disease or have
had a previous heart attack, the recommended LDL cholesterol
level (below that of the general population) should
be:

LDL level greater than 150 mg/dL.

LDL level less than 130 mg/dL.

LDL level less than 100 mg/dL.

All of the Above.

Correct.

People who have had a heart attack are at a much
higher risk for a second heart attack. By decreasing
your LDL cholesterol level to less than 100 mg/dL
you may reduce the buildup of cholesterol and plaque
in the walls of the coronary arteries, thereby decreasing
the risk for a second heart attack. The recommended
LDL level for the general population is less than
130 mg/dL.

Incorrect.

People who have had a heart attack are at a much higher
risk for a second heart attack. By decreasing your
LDL cholesterol level to less than 100 mg/dL you may
reduce the buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the
walls of the coronary arteries, thereby decreasing
the risk for a second heart attack. The recommended
LDL level for the general population is less than
130 mg/dL.

To help reduce high blood cholesterol levels, you should:

Eat foods that are low in saturated
fat and cholesterol.

Increase your physical activity and lose weight
if you are overweight.

Take medications for lowering your cholesterol,
if prescribed by your physician.

All of the Above.

Correct.

A normal blood cholesterol level can reduce your risk
of developing heart disease. There are many things you
can do to affect your blood cholesterol levels. Eating
a variety of foods, especially those low in saturated
fat and cholesterol, being physically active, and maintaining
a healthy weight will help to decrease your blood cholesterol
levels. If your physician has recommended medications
to help lower your cholesterol, taking them as prescribed
along with your lifestyle changes is important.

Incorrect.

A normal blood cholesterol level can reduce your risk
of developing heart disease. There are many things you
can do to affect your blood cholesterol levels. Eating
a variety of foods, especially those low in saturated
fat and cholesterol, being physically active, and maintaining
a healthy weight will help to decrease your blood cholesterol
levels. If your physician has recommended medications
to help lower your cholesterol, taking them as prescribed
along with your lifestyle changes is important.

You answered
out of 6 questions correctly.

A total blood cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or lower
is desirable. A healthy LDL level is less than 130 mg/dL
and a healthy HDL level is more than 40 mg/dL.

Incorporate your knowledge regarding cholesterol
into a healthy lifestyle. Examine those cholesterol
risk factors that apply to you and take steps to eliminate
or reduce the risks. It is also important that you
contact your physician about a cholesterol screening
in order to develop a personal profile.